Cabinet With Removable Panel

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a closure assembly for an opening, and more specifically, a closure assembly for an opening in a cabinet. The closure assembly includes a frame defining an opening. The frame has a first side with a slot and a spring disposed in the slot. The frame also has a second side with a slot opposite from the first side. The closure assembly further includes a removable panel for closing the opening. The width of the removable panel is greater than the opening width. The panel is received in the first slot and the second slot, and the spring biases the removable panel into the second slot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/867,634 filed on Nov. 29, 2006, entitled “Cabinet with Removable Panel,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a cabinet with a removable panel and more particularly is related to an electronics cabinet with a closure assembly for an opening in the cabinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current audio-video systems, whether intended for the home or business, typically comprise a number of individual interconnected audio-video components. For example a modern home theater system may include a high definition television, cable box, DVD player, digital cable recorder, gaming system, and surround sound receiver. These components are interconnected with a series of external connections. The components are also connected to an external signal source, such as cable line, and an electrical source.

There currently exist a number of different cabinet systems for storing and maintaining audio-video systems. Generally these cabinet systems include a top panel for supporting a television, and an interior cabinet space below the top panel with one or more shelves located in the interior cabinet space for storing the remaining audio-video components. The sides and rear of a typical cabinet system generally comprise solid panels, while the front of the cabinet is generally open to permit access to the audio-video components, for example the DVD player or cable box. In the alternative some portion of the front face may comprise a hinged panel to allow user to access to the front of the audio-video components.

Currently in the home theater market there is increasing consumer demand for attractive cabinet systems, that can store today's audio-video systems. Consumers want a cabinet system that fits well in the living room and at the same time provides storage for an increasingly complex system of audio-video equipment. Therefore, consumers are increasingly seeking elegant storage and display solutions for their home theater systems. For example, customers desire strong, sturdy, and solid cabinet systems for storing and supporting the home theater system. Further, consumers desire a cabinet system that hides the myriad of wires connecting the audio-video components.

Audio-video systems, however, have become ever more complex, and increasingly include a number of separate audio-video components. As a result, current audio-video systems require a large number of external wires for connecting the different components together. Furthermore, new signal connections are much more robust than the traditional coaxial cable connections, for example new high definition television connections. Furthermore, each audio-video component typically requires an external source of electricity, further increasing the number of connections and wires.

As a result of this increasing complexity, audio-video systems are increasingly difficult to install, especially in the narrow confines of a cabinet. This task is significantly complicated because almost all audio-video components have their connections in the rear. Further complicating this task is the fact that many cabinets do not have an access point in the rear, or have only a minimal opening for passing electrical connections into and out of the cabinet. For example to connect a current audio-video system, the user must first provide an electrical power source from outside the cabinet to the components inside the cabinet, such as the DVD player, Nintendo® gaming system, surround sound receiver, and cable box. Second, the user must provide a cable connection from outside the cabinet to the cable box inside the cabinet. Next, the user must interconnect the components inside the cabinet. Finally, the user must connect the television, usually on top of the cabinet, with the components inside the cabinet. This task is very difficult for the average consumer, especially when she can not access the constituent connecting nodes on the audio-video components.

Various cabinet designs are known for facilitating the installation of audio-video components. For example, it is know to build cabinet systems without a rear panel. The rear opening allows the user to access the rear of the components, specifically the constituent connection nodes, with ease. One disadvantage of this design, however, is that rear of the cabinet is open. This is disadvantageous because the user can look directly through the cabinet system. This problem is exacerbated when there is a light source behind the cabinet, or when the rear of the cabinet is not positioned against a wall because the connectors become increasingly more visible, resulting in audio-video system more aesthetically suited for the laboratory than an average family living room.

Some cabinet systems are built with rigid panels in the rear that are attached with fasteners such as screws. These rear panels can be manually removed to allow access to the back of the audio-video components without affecting the structural integrity of the cabinet. A disadvantage of such designs, however, is that they require one or more tools to remove the fasteners. Furthermore, it takes a considerable amount of time to remove and reattach the fasteners. Finally, there is always the possibility that the user may lose one or more fasteners during this process, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the system.

Another solution to this problem is to provide a cabinet system with and opening in the rear panel that provides a space to pass the electrical source and signal source connectors. Typically, this opening is small enough to prevent the user from peering through the console, but large enough to facilitate the electrical connections. A disadvantage of such designs, however, is that it is difficult to access the rear of the audio-video components through the small hole. This problem is exacerbated because the hole reduces the amount of illumination on the rear of the components.

Another solution is to provide a rear panel that is hinged on the cabinet, so as to allow the user to open the rear panel during installation of the audio-video components, and close the panel after installation. A disadvantage of this solution is the high cost of the hardware necessary to hinge the panels. This cost is especially prohibitive for high end cabinet systems, running upwards of $700. Furthermore, while hinged rear panels do permit access to the rear of the cabinet, the opening is generally small and size relative to the audio-video components.

What is desired, therefore, is a cabinet with a removable panel, wherein the user can remove the panel during installation of the audio-video components, and reinstall the panel after installation to create an aesthetically pleasing cabinet. More specifically, what is desired therefore is a closure assembly for an opening in a cabinet. The closure assembly comprising a frame defining at least in part the opening. The frame has a first side, and the first side has a first slot with a spring disposed therein. The frame also has a second side substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from the first side, the second side hase a second slot. The closure assembly further includes a removable panel for at least partially closing said opening. The removable panel has a width greater than the opening width, and is simultaneously receivable in said first slot and said second slot, wherein when the removable panel is received in said first slot and said second slot the spring biases the removable panel into said second slot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a closure assembly for an opening.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a removable panel for a cabinet, whereby the removable panel can be quickly and easily removed and installed in the cabinet.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a removable panel for a cabinet that is removed and attached or inserted into the cabinet without the use of external fasteners.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an electronics cabinet that permits quick access to the rear of the cabinet for installation of audio-video components, and further permits for closure of the rear of the cabinet after installation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a removable panel for a cabinet that allows for the ventilation of the interior of the cabinet.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a removable panel for a cabinet that does not require hinges, or other expensive hardware.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a removable panel for a cabinet that allows for easy user access to the interior of the cabinet when the panel is removed.

These and other objects on the present invention are achieved in one embodiment of a closure assembly for an opening in a cabinet. The closure assembly comprising a frame defining at least in part the opening. The frame has a first side, and the first side has a first slot with a spring disposed therein. The frame also has a second side substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from the first side, the second side has a second slot. The closure assembly further includes a removable panel for at least partially closing said opening. The removable panel has a width greater than the opening width, and is simultaneously receivable in said first slot and said second slot, wherein when the removable panel is received in said first slot and said second slot the spring biases the removable panel into said second slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a cabinet with a removable panel.

FIG. 2 is a rear exploded perspective view of a cabinet with a removable panel.

FIG. 3 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a removable panel, showing the panel partially inserted into an opening.

FIG. 4 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a removable panel, showing the panel partially inserted into an opening.

FIG. 5 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a removable panel, showing the panel fully inserted into an opening.

FIG. 6 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a removable panel, showing the panel fully inserted into an opening, and further showing a spring in the first slot and a spring in the second slot.

FIG. 7 is a top cutaway exploded view of a cabinet with a removable panel, showing the panel fully inserted into an opening, and further showing a spring in the first slot and a spring in the second slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein contemplates a cabinet, specifically an electronics cabinet 100 in which a removable panel 50 can be removed from a window 40 or frame 40 in the rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100, providing unobstructed access to inside the cabinet 100 through the window 40 in the rear panel 150. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The removable panel 50 can further be reinserted into window 40 of the rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100 so that the rear panel 150 appears as a continuous panel without windows 40, for example, as a solid panel. It should be understood that through out this detailed description the terms window 40 and frame 40 are used interchangeably.

In reference to FIG. 1 the electronics cabinet 100 includes a bottom panel 120, a top panel 130, two side panels 140, and a rear panel 150. These panels are substantially square or rectangular. The panels are preferably constructed of solid wood, or laminated wood, but may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials thereof, for example laminated particle board, metal, or plastic. The bottom panel 120 and the top panel 130 are substantially parallel to each other, and held in relative position to each other by the side panels 140. The side panels 140 are perpendicular to the bottom panel 120 and the top panel 130 and are substantially parallel to each other. Further, the rear panel 150 and is preferably substantially perpendicular to the side panels, and held is relative position by the top panel 130, bottom panel 120, and two side panels 140.

The front face of the cabinet 100 may have any configuration that allows the user to access the inside of the cabinet 100. The front face of the cabinet 100 may be, for example, open, allowing a user to access the interface controls of the audio-video equipment such as a DVD player or a stereo. The front face may be, for example, a glass panel or wood panel that is hinged, allowing the user to open the front panel and to access the electrical equipment. In some embodiments the front face may have a solid panel covering the front face. In other embodiments the front panel may have a window 40 for receiving a removable panel disposed therein.

In some embodiments, the rear panel 150 may simply comprise the rear edges of the two side panels 140, the rear edge of the top panel 130, and the rear edge of the bottom panel 120. In this type of embodiment the rear panel is a simple rectangular or square frame with an opening for receiving a removable panel.

The cabinet 100 may also contain shelving 20. The shelving 20 may be, for example, located between the bottom panel 120 and top panel 130, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel 120 and the top panel 130. Preferably, the shelving 20 is spaced in the cabinet in such a manner that the cabinet can receive one or more pieces of electrical equipment, for example, audio-video components. It is further preferable that the shelving 20 is supported by the surrounding panels. In some embodiments the cabinet 100 may further include one or more dividing panels 160 located inside the cabinet for the dividing the interior of the cabinet into one or more compartments. For example, the dividing panel 160 is substantially the same size as the side panels, and substantially parallel to the bottom panel 120 and top panel 130.

The rear of the cabinet 100 includes of a rear panel 150 with one or more windows 40. The window 40 or frame 40 may be of any width, but is preferably the width of standard audio-video components. The window may be of any height, but is preferably the same height as the side panels 140 or rear panels 150.

In some embodiments the frame 40 is formed by a combination of the one or more side panels and the rear panel 150, or by a combination of the one or more divider panels 160, one or more side panels, and the rear panel. For example, in reference to FIG. 3, at least a portion of the frame 40 is formed by two side panels abutting 160 the rear panel 150.

The rear panel 150 further includes of one or more removable panels 50 that are receivable in one or more windows 40 or frames 40. When the removable panel 50 is removed from the window 40 a user can easily install and service electrical equipment located inside of the cabinet. When the removable panel 50 is inserted into window 40 of the rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100 the rear panel 150 appears as a continuous panel without windows 40 or openings, for example, as a solid panel.

The side 44 of each window 40 includes a vertical slot 42 for receiving a removable panel 50, or at least a portion of the removable panel. The vertical slot 42 preferably runs from the top to the bottom of the side 44 of each window 40. Preferably, the vertical slots 42 for receiving the removable panel 50 are on substantially opposite sides of the window 40. The hollow cross section of the vertical slot 42 may be, for example, any shape which is capable of receiving a removable panel 50. It is preferable that the width of each vertical slot 42 is less then the thickness 152 of the frame 40. It is further preferable that the thickness of the removable panel 50 is less then the width of the vertical slot 42. In some embodiments the frame may include horizontal slots on the top and bottom of the frame 40 for receiving the removable panel 50.

It is further preferable that in each window 40, one or more of the opposing vertical slots 42 include of one or more springs 60 disposed in the vertical slot, for example affixed to the base of the vertical slot 42. Preferably one spring 60 is installed in the base of the upper half of the vertical slot 42 and preferably a second spring 60 is installed in the base of the lower half of the vertical slot 42. Preferably, the springs 60 are installed in such a manner that they exert a force horizontally, toward the window opening 40, for example in the direction of the opposite vertical slot.

The removable panel 50 has a height that is preferably the height of the window 40. However, in some embodiments the removable panel has a height less than the height of the window. It is preferable that the width of the removable panel 50 is greater than the width of the window 40. For example, in reference to FIG. 4 and 5, the greater width of the removable panel 50 allows the removable panel to lock into place in the window 40. It is further preferable that the width of the removable panel 50 is less than the combined length of the width of the window 40, and the depth of two vertical slots 42 on either side of the window 40.

The removable panel 50 is receivable in the vertical slots 42 of the window 40. For example, in reference to FIGS. 3-5 one side of the removable panel 150 is inserted into a vertical slot 42 in the window 40. As a horizontal force is applied, the removable panel 50 compresses the springs 60 in the vertical slot 42 and the removable panel 50 is received into the vertical slot 42. When the removable panel 50 has been received into the vertical slot 42 to a certain distance, the user can axially rotate the removable panel 50 towards the opposing vertical slot 42 about the vertical slot 42 in which the removable panel is inserted, allowing the removable panel 50 to pass by the opposite side of the window 40. As the horizontal force compressing the springs 60 is reduced, the springs 60 expand toward the opposite side, pushing the removable panel 50 into the opposing vertical slot 42. Once the removable panel 50 is inserted into both vertical slots 42, the removable panel is set in the window 40.

The removable panel 50 preferably includes a hole 54 in the middle of its face, for example, the size of which one can pass electrical cords. The hole 54 allows the user to apply horizontal force to the insert and remove the removable panel 50 from the windows 42 in the rear panel 150 of the cabinet 100. The hole 54 may also be used to pass electrical cords from the electrical equipment inside the cabinet 100, to a power source or receiver located outside of the cabinet 100. Further, the hole preferably provides ventilation to the interior of the cabinet.

Although the particular embodiment above includes slots 42 in both sides 44 of the window 40, it is also envisioned that a window 40 includes only one side 44 with a slot 42 for receiving a removable panel 50.

Although the particular embodiment above includes one or more springs in one slot, it is also envisioned that springs are located in both slots, so as to maintain the removable panel in place. For example, in reference to FIGS. 4-5, each vertical slot 42 includes one or more springs for biasing the panel when installed.

Although the particular embodiment above includes windows 40 with opposing vertical slots 42 for receiving a removable panel 50, it is also envisioned that some embodiments include windows with opposing horizontal slots in the top and bottom of the window 40 for receiving a removable panel 50.

Although the particular embodiment above relates to a cabinet for electrical equipment 100, it is also envisioned that that a removable panel 50 could be used with many types of cabinets, or to provide a closure device for any type of opening.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 

1. A closure assembly for an opening, said assembly comprising: a frame defining at least in part the opening, said frame comprising: a first side, said first side comprising a first slot, said first slot having a first spring disposed therein, a second side substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from said first side, wherein the opening has a width measured from said first side to said second side; a removable panel for at least partially closing said opening, said removable panel having a width greater than said opening width, said removable panel being receivable in said first slot; and wherein when said removable panel is received in said first slot said spring biases said removable panel toward said second side.
 2. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said removable panel is rectangular.
 3. The closure assembly of claim 2, wherein said removable panel comprises one or more vents.
 4. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said frame is disposed in a cabinet.
 5. The closure assembly of claim 4, wherein said frame is further disposed in a rear panel of said cabinet.
 6. The closure assembly of claim 5, wherein a plurality of said frames are disposed in said rear panel.
 7. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of first springs are disposed in said first slot.
 8. The closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said first slot has an opening width, said removable panel has a thickness, and said opening width is greater than said removable panel thickness.
 9. A closure assembly for an opening in a cabinet, said assembly comprising: a frame defining at least in part the opening, said frame comprising: a first side, said first side comprising a first slot, said first slot having a first spring disposed therein, a second side substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from said first side, said second side has a second slot, wherein said opening has a width measured from said first side to said second side; a removable panel for at least partially closing said opening, said removable panel having a width greater than said opening width, said removable panel being simultaneously receivable in said first slot and said second slot; and wherein when said removable panel is received in said first slot and said second slot said first spring biases said removable panel into said second slot.
 10. The closure assembly of claim 9, wherein said removable panel is rectangular.
 11. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein said cabinet comprises a rear panel, and said frame is disposed in said rear panel.
 12. The closure assembly of claim 11, wherein said cabinet further comprises a top panel and a bottom panel, and wherein said frame is located between said top panel and said bottom panel.
 13. The closure assembly of claim 12, wherein said frame is rectangular and substantially the same size as said removable panel.
 14. The closure assembly of claim 13, wherein said cabinet further comprises two side panels located between said top panel and said bottom panel.
 15. The closure assembly of claim 10 wherein said removable panel comprises one or more vents.
 16. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein said first slot has a width, said removable panel has a thickness, and said first slot width is greater than said thickness of said removable panel.
 17. The closure assembly of claim 10, wherein said second slot has a second spring disposed therein, and wherein when said removable panel is simultaneously received in said first slot and said second slot said first spring biases said removable panel into said second slot, and said second spring biases said removable panel into said first slot.
 18. The closure assembly of claim 15, wherein said second slot has a second spring disposed therein, and wherein when said removable panel is simultaneously received in said first slot and said second slot said first spring biases said removable panel into said second slot, and said second spring biases said removable panel into said first slot.
 19. A method for closing an opening in a cabinet, said method comprising the steps of: providing a frame, said frame defining at least in part the opening in said cabinet; providing a first side of said frame; providing a first slot in said first side wherein said first slot has a first spring disposed therein; providing a second side of said frame, said second side substantially parallel to and laterally displaced from said first side; providing a second slot in said second side; providing a removable panel, said removable panel having a width greater than a width of the opening; inserting said removable panel in said first slot, thereby compressing said first spring; rotating said removable panel about said first slot; releasing said removable panel so that said first spring biases said removable panel into said second slot.
 20. The method of claim 19, further including the steps of providing one or more second springs disposed in said second slot. 